Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks (Erewhon Copycat)

By Suzanne Anderson April 20, 2023 25 mins read 85 Views

This page may contain affiliates links. I earn a small commission on products purchased via my link.

The Garlic-Sesame-Tofu Sticks is a gluten-free, high-protein dish that's inspired by Erewhon. It has a savory, vegan sauce made of tamari and rice vinegar with sesame seeds and chili flakes.

It's no surprise that, since moving to LA in 2010, I enjoy the hot bar at Erewhon. Erewhon, a grocery store in LA that sells delicious healthy food is worth trying. There are many vegan and gluten free options. My favorite item to buy there is the garlic sesame sticks. Since they are not cheap, and not everyone lives near LA, I decided to show you how you could make them at home.

This recipe will make the most flavorful, savory tofu that you have ever tasted. These sticks make a great snack or a tasty way to add vegan protein to salads, bowls or sandwiches.

How to make Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks

The sauce is the star of these sesame sticks. Cooking your tofu first is the best way to give it some texture. As Erewhon suggests, you can bake, air-fry or flash fry. But I prefer to bake because it's easier and requires less cleanup. While the oven is heating up, we'll marinate the fried tofu for a few minutes in the sauce. Then, bake it for 30 mins. Flipping halfway through.

We then reduce the sauce to a glaze in a saucepan, and coat the tofu in the sesame and soy sauce.

Ingredient Notes

What you'll need to make sesame tofu:

Tofu high in protein. Use the firmest tofu that you can. Tofu with high protein content has less moisture and more protein, which allows it to absorb sesame garlic sauce better. Extra firm tofu can also be used, but I recommend pressing out the excess moisture with a tofu presses for around 20 minutes.
Tamari. If you are not gluten-free, you can use low-sodium or coconut aminos.
Rice wine vinegar. This gives the sauce a bright acidic taste.
Sesame oil. This gives the sauce a wonderful, warm and smoky taste.
Red Chili Flakes. You can use more or less depending on your taste for spicy foods.
Mustard powder. This secret ingredient gives a hint of spice and umami flavor.
Garlic. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder.
Ginger. Ginger powder is also available in fresh form.
Maple Syrup. You can substitute maple syrup for agave sugar or coconut sugar.
Cornstarch. You can use arrowroot instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Filtered water. Only a small amount of water is needed to make our cornstarch and sauce slurry.
Scallions. They are only for garnishing, but they look great and add a lot of flavor to the dish.
Sesame seeds toasted. Can also be used as a garnish. I like to mix black and white.

Serving Suggestions

These tofu sticks are great on their own or with a simple sauce, like my Goes with Everything Green Sauce. This recipe pairs nicely with the White Bean and Kale Salad, another Erewhon-inspired recipe that I enjoy.

These high-protein bites of tofu are also great in salads and bowls. Pair them with these vegan recipes.

Crunchy Pad Thay Inspired Salad (vegans, gluten-free, oil-free)
Quinoa Fried "Rice" (vegan, gluten-free, oil free)
Shanghai Style Rice Cake Stir-Fry (vegan and gluten free)

More High-Protein Tofu Recipes

Lemon & Herb Crusted Tofu Steaks (vegan, gluten free, oil free)
Vegan Pad Thai With Tofu (Gluten Free)
Tofu Stuffed Olives with Lentil Coconut sauce (vegan, gluten-free)

Please let me know your thoughts if you try these Garlic Sesame Tofu sticks by leaving a comment!

Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks

Author: Remy Park
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings

Print recipe

Description

This is the best way to make garlic sesame sticks at home. The tofu is baked in a sauce of soy, maple, and chili.

Ingredients

Units

16 8 oz tofu extra firm and high protein

Marinade

3 tablespoons filtered filtered water
2-3 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp neutral oil
1/4 Cup Tamari
3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic, grated
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp red chili flakes
1/2 tsp mustard powder
2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Garnish

Scallions, cut diagonally
Sesame seeds toasted in white and black

Instructions

Pre-heat your oven to 400F as you prepare the tofu.
Tofu can be cut into planks of 2 inches thick or into sticks. If necessary, lightly pat any excess moisture away and transfer to a shallow container.
Mix water and cornstarch together to form a slurry. Add to a bowl with all the other ingredients. Pour the marinade over tofu, and whisk until smooth. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Bake the tofu for 30 minutes. Flipping them halfway through.
Pour the rest of the marinade in a shallow pan over low heat. Stir constantly until it thickens and becomes a nice glaze. Turn off the stove, then add the tofu to the pan. Toss the tofu to evenly coat.
Enjoy. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds, scallions, and sesame oil.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

The post Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks - Erewhon Copycat appeared first on Veggiekins blog.

By: Remy Park
Title: Garlic Sesame Tofu Sticks (Erewhon Copycat)
Sourced From: veggiekinsblog.com/2023/04/20/garlic-sesame-tofu-sticks/
Published Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:26:40 +0000

Eating a plant-based diet is becoming more popular as people become increasingly health conscious. At Paleovsketo.com, we offer comprehensive nutritional guidance to help you live your best life. We have a wealth of information on various diets, such as paleo, keto, plant-based, mediteranian and intermittent fasting - all tailored toward optimizing your health and wellbeing.

Our platform helps bridge the disconnect between reliable research and implementation - making wellness accessible to all by providing education, inspiration and empowerment every step of the way. We believe that together, we can make a real difference in the lives of others; after all, healthy eating is not just about the food - it's an attitude of self-care that radiates throughout our daily walks of life. We encourage you to join us in our mission: connect with us through stories, passions and recipes; here at Paleovsketo.com, there will always be something new waiting for you!

If you'd like to collaborate with us on any project or would like further information about what we do - please feel free to contact us directly at [email protected]! Let's embark on this journey together towards healthier living with confidence, grace and integrity!

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my meat if I stop eating it?

You will notice changes in your body when you stop eating meat. With the transition from animal to plant-based proteins such as legumes, beans, nuts, whole grains, and soy-based products, your diet may be higher in fiber and lower in saturated fat. This could improve heart health as well as your digestive health. You may also notice an increase in energy due to a more efficient digestion and elimination of inflammatory food like animal proteins. The ability to reduce stress hormones caused by excessive animal protein consumption may make your moods more stable. Switching to a plant based diet is a popular way to fight environmental damage caused factory farming.

Can I eat Chicken on a Plant-Based Diet?

You cannot eat chicken if you follow a plant-based lifestyle. A plant-based diet prohibits the consumption of all animal products, such as poultry and fish. Many vegan options to traditional meat-centric dishes can be made without the use of animal products. Many soy-based meats, such as seitan (wheat Gluten), tempeh(fermented soybeans), mock duck (made from mushrooms), can be mimicked in flavor to traditional meats. Vegetarian burgers made of black beans, quinoa and other legumes can be very similar to traditional beef burgers. Tofu mayo; coconut bacon strips or eggplant bacon bits; vegetable hot dogs made with seasoned texture soy protein; faux chicken strips of wheat gluten are all tasty alternatives.

Can a plant-based diet be harmful?

Many people have enjoyed the health benefits of adopting a plant based diet. However, any type diet can prove to be dangerous if it's not properly managed. People who want to transition to a plantbased lifestyle need to be mindful of their vitamin and mineral intake. Unbalanced diets without adequate replacements can lead to deficiencies and other health problems. Additionally, following a purely vegan/plant-based lifestyle could mean cutting out valuable sources of protein found in dairy and eggs, which may hinder muscle maintenance. Plant-based people should adjust their diets to suit their individual needs, consult a nutritionist, and avoid potential health hazards.

Can you still dine out at restaurants if your diet is plant-based?

Many restaurants are now offering plant-based options on their menus. In larger cities and communities, many vegan restaurants are popping up and offering exciting food choices. There are also vegetarian-friendly options available in most mainstream restaurants, so there is still plenty of opportunity to enjoy restaurant offerings while eating a plant-based diet. Look out for recipes that include vegetables and legumes, such a tofu or tempeh, seitan or other protein sources, like beans. Use vinegar and healthy oils to replace mayonnaise and dressings high-in saturated fat. Do not be afraid to ask your server whether certain items can be made vegan.

You can also research vegan cookbooks ahead of time to get ideas on how proteins can be substituted for meats and rich sauces. Many restaurants will accommodate guests who eat a plant-based diet. They will also do their best to meet your needs. You can enjoy eating out with a plant-based menu if you do your research and have some creativity.

Statistics

In the United States, poor-quality diet is the most significant predictor of early death, according to an article published in the May 2017 Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. (everydayhealth.com)
A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

How To

How do I meal prep for a plant based diet?

Plant-based meal prepping prepares nutritious and balanced vegan meals ahead of time to make cooking streamlined and efficient. Although it does require some planning and preparation this can be a time-saver while encouraging healthy eating habits. It makes it easier to stick with your diet by prepping plant-based meals. They are already prepared and ready for when you want something delicious and healthy. Also, you can save time and make it easier to exercise or relax by not having the food prepared from scratch each day.

The key to successful plant-based meal prepping is prioritizing variety and emphasizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. For better nutrition, try using different colors each week - such as spinach, purple carrots, and brown rice for complex carbs. In each meal, a balanced amount of fiber, protein, as well as some fats, should be the goal. This will vary depending on the person's preferences.

Consider using a multi-cooker and slow cooker to maximize your meal prep efficiency.

It is possible to make meal prep for a plant-based lifestyle easy and fun by following a few steps. You can start by making a grocery store list of the recipes you will be using. If possible, shop at local farmers' markets or health food stores for fresh produce and other quality ingredients. Next, it's important to set aside enough time to prep the food; this alternatives like these mean minimal effort with maximum savings! Also, it is important to use the right storage equipment so that food stays fresh until used.

The best thing about plant-based meal preparation is that it allows one to eat healthy no matter how busy their life becomes. Individuals will most likely reach their nutritional goals sooner than they think by eliminating the guesswork involved in healthy eating.